From Space Exploration to Climate Change Resolution: Three Visionaries Unveil Practical Solutions
LONDON, ENGLAND - In a pivotal discussion at TIME100 Talks in London, three visionaries explored ways to translate groundbreaking scientific breakthroughs into real-world solutions, focusing on the pressing challenges of climate change and technological adoption.
TIME senior correspondent Alice Park moderated the panel discussion featuring Phil Caldwell, CEO of clean energy company Ceres Power; space scientist and science communicator Margaret Aderin-Pocock; and Michael Short, former chief scientific adviser at the U.K. Department for International Trade and visiting professor at the University College of London.
The theme delved into the urgent need to harness technological innovation in addressing climate change. Ceres Power's CEO Caldwell emphasized that the last 20% of decarbonization, particularly in sectors like steel, fertilizer, and aviation, will require substantial investments in green hydrogen and fuel cells technology.
"We just need to invest in the scale and adoption," Caldwell said, highlighting the critical role of technological solutions in acceleration decarbonization. His company aims to bridge the gap by developing green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies that can be used for energy conversion.
Aderin-Pocock expanded on this notion, citing satellite technologies as a means for sophisticated disaster prediction and monitoring systems. This could improve weather forecasting and early warning systems, empowering people to prepare for climate-related challenges.
However, Aderin-Pocock acknowledged that the benefits of scientific innovation are not uniformly distributed. She emphasized the need to bridge or widen inequality by ensuring technology is accessible to all, particularly those in areas severely affected by climate change.
Mobile connectivity, despite being a game-changer, still has its limitations, with roughly one-third of the world's population lacking internet access. Short pointed out that even for connected individuals, barriers like unsupported languages and lack of locally relevant context remain. The former chief scientific adviser stressed the importance of making technology both inclusive and adoptable by everyone.
The panel also touched on the issue of growing science skepticism and its impact on real-world solutions. Aderin-Pocock advocated for an open dialogue about scientific knowledge, ensuring that people from all walks of life are exposed to science. She founded Science Innovation Ltd., which organizes public engagement activities to inspire schoolchildren and adults worldwide.
Caldwell suggested selling a positive vision of the future was essential in overcoming resistance to innovation. "Technology is seldom the answer on its own," he stressed. The CEO emphasized the need for political will and business drive behind technological solutions, such as green energy. "Communication the benefits of clean energy, rather than fear," he said.
The TIME100 Talks presentation, 'The Power of Innovation: How Science Can Drive Global Solutions,' aimed to showcase the transformative impact of scientific breakthroughs on real-world challenges.